Destination Guide: The 5 Best Wineries to Visit in Mendoza

Argentine wine is rightfully famous around the world and most visitors who come to Mendoza try to visit at least one vineyard to see the intricate process of making (and tasting) first class wine with their own eyes. In this article we take you to the 5 best wineries to visit in Mendoza when you travel to Argentina.

1. The most impressive: Salentein

Built by its Dutch owner at a cost of several hundred million dollars, Salentein boasts its own gourmet restaurant, exclusive inn and a private art museum with work by both Argentina contemporary artists and Dutch masters. With its Malbec rated at 90 points out of a possible 100 by renowned wine critic Robert Parker, this amazing winery has to be near the top of any listing of the best wineries to visit in Argentina.

(Ruta 89 – Los Arboles, Tunuyan, Mendoza)

2. The largest: Norton

Bodega Norton produces more than million bottles annually from vineyards all around Mendoza in a huge number of varieties, be it red, white or sparkling. They also offer special activities, such as lunch with one of their enologists, cooking classes and a picnic in the gardens for those who’d like to make their trip extra memorable.

(Ruta 15, km 23,5 – Perdriel, Luján de Cuyo, Mendoza)

3. The best sparkling wines: Chandon

Owned by the luxury brands corporation LVMH, Bodegas Chandon counts with the centuries of experience in champagne making of their famous French sister Moët et Chandon. Be sure to visit the Chandon Bistro for a 4-course gourmet lunch accompanied by their different sparkling wines.

(Ruta 15, km 29 – Agrelo, Luján de Cuyo, Mendoza)

4. The most immersive: Familia Zuccardi

Apart from just offering visits to their cellars, the winery and its Casa del Visitante visitor center offer a host of activities allowing you to participate in the harvest, help prune the vineyards, follow a tasting course and even to tour the estate in a classic car or from the heights of a hot air balloon.

(Ruta 33, km 7,5 – Maipú, Mendoza)

5. The personal experience: Bodega Caelum

Purposely kept smaller than most, this winery focuses on a small number of high-end wines and more often than not your tour guide will be a member of the family that actually owns the winery, making for a very special visit. They also produce some of the best pistachio nuts in the world, right alongside the vines. Highly recommended.